Safety and Emergency Procedures
Everyday safety
Identify who is at risk: anyone with confusion, weakness, sedation, vision loss, incontinence, or a history of falling. Keep the bed low and locked, call light and personal items within reach, floor dry, clutter cleared, and lighting adequate. Answer call lights promptly; most falls happen when a resident tries to get up alone. Check water temperature before bathing or serving (about 105°F or per policy). Store chemicals and sharps securely, and never leave a resident unattended in a bathtub or on a toilet.
Restraints
Restraints require a physician's order, are used only for a specific medical symptom, and are the least restrictive option. Never tie a restraint to side rails, always use a quick-release knot, check circulation and skin regularly, and release for range of motion, meals, and toileting per policy. Side rails used to keep someone from getting out are restraints. Report any need for restraint to the nurse and try alternatives first.
Emergencies
Falls: do not move or lift the resident. Stay with them, send for the nurse, keep them warm, and check for injury. Seizure: protect the head, do not restrain or put anything in the mouth, time it, then turn the resident to the side afterward. Choking: encourage coughing if they can, otherwise call for help and start abdominal thrusts. Stroke: remember FAST (face, arms, speech, time). Fire: RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish or Evacuate); extinguisher PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). Adult CPR is 30 compressions to 2 breaths at 100-120 per minute.
Traps
Test items punish helpers who yank a fallen resident up or who leave a seizing resident alone. When in doubt: stay, protect, call.